NEWS PRODUCTION

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The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) news team creates and disseminates news and photo releases covering scientific advancements made using the Hubble Space Telescope to news organizations worldwide, which use them to build their own coverage in television broadcasts, print publications, and online services. After its launch, our work will also include research using data from the James Webb Space Telescope.

We actively engage journalists by answering questions, providing context, and explaining the importance of the science. Astronomical discoveries are often dense with unfamiliar concepts, complex ideas, and highly technical details, which is why interaction between our news staff, astronomers, and members of the media is essential for our news to accurately and effectively reach the public.

Dive into the Imagery

Astronomical Image: Horsehead Nebula

This iconic nebula has graced astronomy books since its discovery over a century ago. In this 2013 Hubble Space Telescope view, the nebula is seen in infrared wavelengths, layered with visible shades, and pops out against the backdrop of Milky Way stars and distant galaxies. Learn More

Artist’s Concept: Flaring Red Dwarf Star

This illustration shows a red dwarf star orbited by a hypothetical exoplanet. Red dwarfs tend to be magnetically active, displaying gigantic arcing prominences and a wealth of dark sunspots. Red dwarfs also erupt with intense flares that could strip a nearby planet’s atmosphere over time, or make the surface inhospitable to life. Learn More

Photo Illustration: Andromeda Galaxy and the Milky Way Collide

This photo illustration is inspired by computer modeling of the collision between our Milky Way galaxy and the neighboring Andromeda galaxy about 4 billion years from now. Over an additional 2 billion years, they will gradually merge to form a single galaxy. Learn More

Illustrative Diagram: Plasma Ejection

This graphic illustrates how the binary-star system V Hydrae is launching balls of plasma into space. As the smaller star moves through the red giant’s expanded atmosphere, it gobbles up material. The buildup is eventually ejected as blobs of hot plasma. This process is repeated every eight years. Learn More

The People and the Process

News gathering begins when members of our team speak to one or more scientists about their research. Based on that conversation, one of our science writers crafts a news release that describes their findings and implications in an engaging and accessible way. Additional team members develop visuals to accompany the release and help explain the results. These images are produced from astronomical data, and maximize aesthetic value while preserving scientific validity.

All release materials are developed in collaboration with astronomers—both those involved with the discovery and on our own outreach team—to ensure that the explanations and visuals relate the science accurately. In addition, NASA and STScI policy requires that the science results be reported in a peer-reviewed scientific paper or at a professional conference, such as an American Astronomical Society meeting, before a release based on those results is issued. STScI news staff also collaborates with the Hubble project scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA Headquarters, consulting scientists at STScI, and public affairs offices of scientists’ professional institutions to coordinate releases among the organizations.